14 Fun and Interesting Corgi Facts
Updated on
With the rise in dog ownership in recent years, there are many breeds to fall in love with. Corgis are instantly recognizable and completely adorable. These intelligent, compact little dogs have a long history, and there are many interesting facts that we would love to share with you. Read on if you’re interested in learning more about the Corgi.
The 14 Interesting Facts About the Corgi
1. There are two kinds of Corgis
There are two distinct breeds of Corgi: the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and the Cardigan Welsh Corgi.
According to the AKC, the Pembroke Corgi is the more popular breed. They are the 11th most popular breed overall compared to the Cardigan, which is the 67th most popular.
The Cardigan has a long tail, while the Pembroke’s tail is usually docked. The Cardigan is taller and has rounded ears, while the Pembroke is shorter and has pointed ears.
2. Some Pembroke Welsh Corgis are born with short tails
While it is common practice to dock a Pembroke’s tail, some are born with short tails. Usually, a tail up to 2 inches is acceptable by breed standards, but longer tails are docked shortly after birth.
Many countries have banned tail docking and ear cropping as painful and unnecessary procedures.
The U.K., Sweden, Norway, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, and Austria, to name a few, have all prohibited this practice, but it continues in other countries like Canada and the United States.
3. The Cardigan Welsh Corgi is the oldest breed of the two
The Cardigan has been in Wales for around 3,000 years. Warrior Celts brought the Corgis to Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1200 B.C.E.
This early incarnation of the Corgi was also a member of the family of dogs that eventually included the Dachshund. This likely isn’t too surprising, given the similarity in body shape.
4. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have been around for ages
These dogs date back to at least the 10th century, but much of their ancestry isn’t known. It’s thought that they were either brought to Pembrokeshire, Wales, by the Vikings, having descended from the Swedish Vallhund (there is a close resemblance). Their ancestors might also have been brought to Wales by Flemish weavers.
5. Both the Pembroke and Cardigan are herders
Both breeds were bred to herd cattle, which might sound odd given how small they are, but their size is what made them so good at it.
In the 10th century, the Welsh didn’t always have fences, so these feisty little dogs would keep the cattle together.
Since Corgis are so low to the ground, they could nip at the cattle’s heels quite easily, and the cows had a more challenging time kicking them.
They were also kept as companions for families and the guardians of the farm and household.
6. The Pembroke is said to work with the fairies
The Pembroke is also to be an enchanted dog. A legend in Wales says that the Pembroke was used by fairies and elves to pull fairy coaches, were steeds for fairy warriors, and even herded fairy cattle.
Even today, you can see markings on the shoulders of some Corgis that are supposed to be the signs of a fairy saddle.
7. It’s well-known that Corgis were the Queen’s favorites
Queen Elizabeth II was given her first Corgi when she was 7 years old. When she was 18, she had a Corgi named Susan, and most of the royal Corgis have descended from this dog. From 1945, she owned more than 30 Corgis!
At the Queen’s funeral procession outside Buckingham Palace, her Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Muick and Sandy, were witnesses.
8. Corgis get the Zoomies
Zoomies happen to virtually all pets. These random bursts of energy cause Corgis to just start running around the house! It’s also known as Frantic Random Acts of Play, or F.R.A.P.
9. Corgis are “dwarf dogs”
No one truly knows what the name Corgi actually means, but it’s thought that the name comes from the combination of the Welsh words “cor,” which means dwarf, and “gi,” which means dog. So, you’ve got yourself a dwarf dog!
But it’s also thought that “cor” can mean gathering or watching over. Considering that Corgis started off looking after cattle, both meanings can work.
10. Amazon had a mascot Corgi
The first mascot for Amazon was a Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Rufus, which was based on a real dog owned by an Amazon employee.
In 1996, Rufus would accompany his human to work and roam the original Amazon warehouse.
He was designated a “good dog.” His likeness was used on the website, and his photos are still on display at the Seattle headquarters.
11. Corgis are susceptible to spinal cord disease
Both Cardigans and Pembrokes are prone to developing degenerative myelopathy, also known as spinal cord disease. They are more likely to develop this disease as they get older, typically between ages 8 and 14, and it is eventually fatal.
The disease causes slow paralysis, and unfortunately, there is no cure. However the use of therapy and rehabilitation can extend the dog’s life by a few years.
12. Corgis are easy to train
These dogs are intelligent, obedient, and eager to please. Some Corgis can learn tricks in a matter of minutes!
However, they are also notoriously independent and stubborn, so if they are not in the mood for training, it can be tricky to teach them anything.
13. Corgis are known for splooting
Almost all pets, including cats, can sploot, but Corgis made it famous and are more likely to do it than other breeds.
Splooting is when a dog is lying down and kicks their legs out behind and leaves them there, all splayed out. It’s adorable!
14. There’s a Corgi Beach Day
Southern California celebrates Corgis by bringing them all together for a beach day! There are multiple events over the course of the year, as Halloween and Memorial Day are also celebrated.
These events are organized by So Cal Corgi Nation. We can’t think of much more fun than hanging out on a beach with thousands of Corgis running around!
Conclusion
Now you know more about the beloved Corgi! They are worth learning more about, particularly if you’ve been thinking about adding a Corgi to your family.
These little speeding fireballs are fast and feisty but lovable and sweet. As long as you’re prepared for an energetic dog that can run far faster than you might expect, perhaps bringing a Corgi home will be the best decision that you’ll ever make.
See also:
- American Corgi vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Breed Comparison (With Pictures)
- Do Corgis Sleep a Lot? Vet-Approved Facts & FAQ
Featured Image Credit: Irina Shtrakbein, Shutterstock
